Easy2014

Daniel Laabs' loose, impressionistic, yet psychologically and thematically rich short centers on two close-knit Texas brothers. The older, Adam, is well on his way to maturity with an affectionate girlfriend and a thoughtful, self-confident manner. All of which is something of a mystery to Jeffrey, who is on the verge of adolescence and whose life centers largely around gymnastics, an outlet Adam once enjoyed, too, until he "discovered girls." Are those mutually exclusive interests? The taint of public homophobia often directed toward male gymnasts (like figure skaters) is something Jeffrey is painfully aware of, even if his own sexuality is hardly fully-formed. Full of youthful questions with murky answers, EASY is a skillful dramatic miniature that says little outright but reveals a lot. - Dennis Harvey

Not quite sure how to interpret this short. Is the younger brother gay? Does he destroy the straight porno mags to set forth his own sexuality? Trouble with short films is obviously a lack of background and development. But it's an interesting bit of work.

Lovely, potentially tragic short film about two loving brothers and the older brother's fiancé, Nothing much happens, but everything seems to pervade the sensibilities of the younger brother, appealing to the older brother's protectiveness. But some things you can't protect anybody from. Everything is played in tune here, and it's definitely worth another, second watch.